The 4 Best Flood Apps of 2024

Get flash flood warnings and forecasting

By
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on January 24, 2024

If you're in an area that's prone to flooding and flash floods, you should have a flood alert app to keep on top of the latest weather developments. Grab the flood apps listed below to stay aware of warnings and forecasts in your area. 

You should also consider downloading some other general emergency alert apps so that you know what to do in the event there are other types of disasters in your area. 

01
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A Weather Station in Your Pocket: Clime

NOAA Weather Radar Live app screenshots
What We Like

  • Great for all weather conditions.

  • Long range forecasts available.

  • Very detailed.

What We Don't Like

  • Not all features are free.

  • Can be overwhelming at first.

Primarily a weather tracking app, Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live offers everything you could need when keeping an eye on the risk of flooding and other extreme weather conditions. There's an interactive map that is enhanced with severe weather warnings as and when needed. Current and 'feels like' temperatures are available along with the chance of precipitation and humidity info. 

You can easily set the app up to multiple different locations around the world, with accurate details on all of them at any given time. 

Most importantly, you'll receive a push notification whenever an alert is issued including floods, snow, storms, tornados, and other extreme weather scenarios. 

Download For:

02
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For Full Weather Coverage: The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel Forecast and Radar Maps app screenshots
What We Like

  • Extensive weather alerts.

  • AI that predicts weather changes.

  • Regularly updated weather info.

What We Don't Like

  • Ads get in the way.

  • Not exclusively for flooding info.

The Weather Channel app prides itself on accuracy. Its updates are regular, often informing you of weather changes every 15 minutes or so. That's just what you need when up against extreme weather conditions.

Besides the extensive maps which show you exactly what's going on and what's coming, the app also offers alerts for extreme weather conditions including flash floods, and other storms and incidents. You can follow individual conditions closely before seeing what the official advice for dealing with them is. Wind speed reports as well as rain forecasts give you some insight into what's coming too. Live radar alerts keep you constantly in the know. 

As an aside, there are also allergy alerts and medical advice for those users who struggle with asthma and other respiratory ailments. 

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03
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Simple River Monitoring: Floodwatch

Floodwatch iOS app screenshots
What We Like

  • Detailed information via US Geological Survey.

  • Can track each flood stage level.

  • Free via ads.

What We Don't Like

  • iOS only.

  • Far from pretty to look at.

If you live near a body of water then Floodwatch is an essential app for you. It tracks all the rivers across the US courtesy of the US Geological Survey's real-time data, providing you with the most recent and accurate stream gauge data available.

It's possible to add favorite rivers for easy consultation. In each case, an arrow demonstrates if the water is rising or dissipating. Graphs further highlight how the water levels are changing in the past 24 hours as well as historical data on the past 7 days and more. 

Floodwatch isn't particularly stylish but it gives you fast insight into just how the water is rising near you, giving you a heads up on if the levels are unusually high so you know when to be concerned.

Download For:

04
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Stay Connected During a Storm: Hurricane by American Red Cross

Screenshots of the Red Cross free hurricane tracker app
What We Like

  • Monitor the location of your contacts.

  • Find Red Cross shelters in a disaster.

  • Hurricane preparedness information is available without an internet connection.

  • Includes a flashlight, strobe light, and alarm siren

  • Supports both English and Spanish.

What We Don't Like

  • You can’t view multiple overlays (wind speed, clouds, etc.) at once.

  • Sometimes slow to load.

  • Android only.

The American Red Cross Hurricane app keeps track of all potential tropical storms and hurricanes within the US, sending out notifications for when things get bad in your area. When you look up an alert, you're presented with a map of the afflicted area, along with information on what you should do next.

The most important feature is the option to notify people in your contacts that you are safe during a storm. You can immediately share your location with your family and find shelters in your area. General advice is also provided for what to do right before a flood so that you and your family remain safe at all times.

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